#WorldAIDSDay: People living with HIV and drug users are Equal Human Beings!

✊ On #WorldAIDSDay we need to stand with all People Living with HIV (PLHIV), drug users and members of the LGBTIQ+ community who have long been demonized by the Thai government. What are the issues they face?

There are approx. 470,000 PLHIV (people living with HIV) in Thailand. However, Thailand still lacks laws to protect PLHIV from discrimination in various institutions such as workplaces, schools, and healthcare. The law even further criminalizes drug users with extreme sentences and refused to provide HIV services and treatments for them. Depending on the drug offense, they can face life imprisonment or the death penalty.

🚨 Lack of education and misinformation on HIV, social stigma and mistreatment often discourage people to take HIV tests or reach out for medical treatment, especially members of the LGBTIQ+ community. For example, gay men and Trans women who use drugs (TWUD) often have their human rights violated with violence and harassment from law enforcement. Women living with HIV face forced sterilization in healthcare settings, without their consent! They can no longer become Mothers!

📍 During Thailand's 3rd UPR review in November, Thailand received 6 recommendations related to non-discriminatory access to healthcare, including a recommendation to combat discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in health. However, the Government still hasn't accepted one recommendation from Finland to guarantee an adequate standard of health services for all, including sex workers.

This is unacceptable! PLHIV and drug users - including gay men, trans women and sex workers - are equal human beings who have an equal right to adequate healthcare. The Thai government must acknowledge that and implement ALL UPR recommendations on non-discriminatory healthcare!

#WeAreManushyan - Equal Human Beings

To PLHIV:

❤️ We Love you

❤️ We See You

❤️ We Hear You

❤️ You are Equal Human Beings

Help us spread the word!

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👉🏼 Access the UPR Advocacy Factsheet on the Rights of People Living with HIV and Drug Users here.

👉🏼 Access all the UPR Advocacy Factsheets on #WhatsHappeningInThailand here

🎨 Content by: @art_poka